FAQ

Does Rolfing hurt?
The first thing people usually hear about Rolfing is about its age old reputation for being painful. That myth is no longer true, at least not in my practice. My clients typically report that Rolfing feels like satisfying deep pressure or a nice deep stretch. There are many times, especially when working with inflamed tissue, the work will feel very gentle. Communication between me and my client is very important and your level of comfort will always be respected.

How is Rolfing different from Chiropractic and massage?
Chiropractic therapy tends to focus on bone alignment and individual joints and typically uses high velocity thrusting methods. However, unless the tension and strain in the soft tissue (fascia, muscles, tendons, & ligaments) is addressed, the bones will continue to be pulled out of alignment. The Rolfing method uses gentle soft tissue techniques to treat boney restrictions that are a part of the overall body pattern and restore structural integration. The goal is to achieve balanced tension throughout the entire body, which allows the bones to fall back into their proper relationships naturally.

Massage is a broad term that refers to many styles of bodywork. The goals of most types of massage focus on relaxing individual muscles whereas Rolfing looks to realign and re-sculpt the entire body into a better working (and feeling) unit. Some “deep tissue” massage works to release local patterns of structural strain, but this is not usually done as part of a strategy to balance the whole body. The goals of Rolfing require clients to be more actively involved than during massage sessions by performing specific movements, noticing sensations, and even getting off of the table to sit, stand, or walk.

Do the changes from Rolfing last?
Yes. Photos show the changes from Rolfing to be long lasting. Modifications to our alignment and usage patterns, such as sitting, standing, and walking, help the body maintain its new structure. The nature of Rolfing is to work with the body, not on it; this allows clients to take ownership of the body’s new structure. Since Rolfing addresses the body as a whole (posture, joint function, coordination, movement, etc) old patterns are replaced by new, healthier and more efficient ones which become easier and more natural for the body to maintain.

Do I have to commit to an extended series of sessions?
No. While Rolfing is most effective in the context of a 10-15 session series, it is not always necessary to complete all 10-15. A series of at least ten sessions gives us the best opportunity to fully address the entire body and the way it works as a whole unit. Bodies do not shape into their patterns overnight so naturally it takes some time to reverse 20, 30, 40 years full of bumps, bruises, poor posture and body usage.

Many clients are able to get their issues resolved in less than 10 sessions. The number of sessions required to meet your goals has a number of factors such as health history, response to the work, daily activities, etc.

How often should I come?
Most people find once a week to be a beneficial and convenient time frame. However, others find that they respond better to the work if they have more time between sessions to settle in to the new patterns of their body and up to three weeks between sessions is fine in most cases.

What should I wear?
Because I need to constantly (before, during, and after the session) assess where there might be restrictions or holding patterns, men typically go through the sessions in their regular underwear and women in a 2-piece bathing suit or underwear. However, I want you to feel comfortable in my office so gym shorts and sports bras / tank-tops are also fine (the less area of the back the sports bra / tank-top takes up the better). Once you are on the table, you can have a sheet or blanket to cover up with if you wish.

How long are Rolfing sessions?
Appointments typically last an hour and fifteen minutes. The first visit usually runs longer (around 90 – 100 minutes) to take time for a detailed health history, your goals for the work, daily activities and general questions. Please print, fill-out and bring the Client Information Sheetto your 1st session.

How much does it cost?
The rate for a Standard session is $140. Lower rates for children under sixteen are always available; reduced rates for those in need are available on a case-by-case basis. Payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

Does insurance cover Rolfing?
Unfortunately, most carriers do not cover Rolfing. However, if needed, a receipt can be provided for insurance reimbursement. Please call me with specific questions in regards to insurance coverage.

Cancellations
24 hours notice is required for cancellations. Client is responsible for the entire session fee if proper notice is not given.